New and Current Students

Graduate students Courtney Glettner, left, and Rachel Bouressa record weekly measurements of glyphosate-resistant, giant ragweed plants growing in the Walnut Street Greenhouse at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on May 24, 2013. The two are working with David Stoltenberg, professor of agronomy, to research the adaptation of certain weeds to the commonly used agricultural herbicide.

No matter where you are in your academic career, these tips and resources can help you find what you need to stay on the path to success. More »

The Graduate School experience at UW–Madison opens doors as you open your mind to new opportunities and experiences.

The quality of the relationships that graduate students build at UW–Madison will go far in advancing their future career paths, whether those careers are as faculty members or in an array of exciting opportunities in the private sector or public service.

The Graduate School is invested in your success. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you build your career as a graduate student and as a professional. Your interest in succeeding in your chosen field requires your own investment in creating and sustaining meaningful and productive alliances.

Building these relationships, especially mentoring relationships, is vital to success and growth at the Graduate School and beyond. The Graduate School encourages and nurtures these relationships as a way to provide a well-rounded graduate education.

The most fundamental is the faculty–student relationship, but there are a variety of other interactions needed to take full advantage of the Graduate School experience. They include relationships with other students, friends, community members, peer groups and professional society members.

These mutually beneficial relationships require goal–setting, planning, effective communication, teamwork, follow—through, meeting deadlines, listening and inquiring—all skills that are essential in the professional realm and are part of the fabric of success during your Graduate School career and beyond.

The Graduate School is equipped to provide guidance in forging these relationships.

It's important to remember that these relationships—like students themselves—also evolve over time. Graduate students mature and develop as their status moves from trainee to junior colleague and eventually to a senior colleague in their professional realms.

Some who attain doctorates follow the path to becoming faculty members, but others go on to become entrepreneurs, lead established businesses, take roles in public service or nonprofit organizations or become thought leaders in the community.

Employers say that graduate degree holders bring value to the workplace because they have the advanced knowledge that allows them to quickly engage in their work. They also bring experience in working with diverse groups, a strong sense of ethical and professional conduct, the ability to innovate and a resilient approach.

It all begins with engagement and building a network of relationships that result in academic and career success.

The Graduate School works together with other units on campus to provide the guidance and resources to assist students in their professional development as they become scholars and leaders.

As you work toward your graduate degree, we will support you on the academic path that you will help to define so that you can take full ownership of your graduate education and follow the career trajectory that you imagine.